Wade Taylor IV named Southeastern Conference Player of the Week

Sophomore guard Wade Taylor IV has been tabbed Southeastern Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his career after Texas A&M’s 2-0 showing against Arkansas and Missouri.

Both triumphs qualify as Quadrant I victories and boosted the Aggies three spots in NET rankings to No. 29.

Taylor topped the scoring column with 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field and four assists in Tuesday’s 62-56 win over Arkansas.

But even more impressive than his stat line was his unyielding determination.

Though A&M was limited to a paltry 21 points in the first half, Taylor took matters into his own hands in the second. Taylor marched out of the break with a pull-up 3-pointer that triggered a 9-2 run. He continued to play the lead role in A&M’s fervent rally, scoring 16 of his 18 in the second stanza.

As the Razorbacks refused to back down, Taylor drilled another triple to tie the game and set the table for a 10-0 charge that permanently seized the upper hand.

Just when Taylor thought he might have been done taming Tigers after series-sweeping victories over Auburn and LSU last week, he followed up with an unforgettable encore in Columbia.

The Dallas native poured in 21 points and six assists in Saturday’s 69-60 victory at Missouri.

Taylor cashed in on a trio of triples and also went a perfect 10-for-10 at the charity stripe. Combined with Dexter Dennis, the duo were instrumental in laying a sound foundation offensively as they scored 28 of A&M’s 39 first-half points.

While the outcome was never much in doubt, as A&M once possessed an 18-point advantage, Taylor’s dependability as a scorer and floor general was reassuring when Missouri briefly threatened a second-half rally.

Through the last four games, Taylor has averaged 21.0 points and 5.3 assists. He hopes to continue his recent tear on Tuesday when the Aggies host Tennessee for a 6 p.m. CT battle.